Thomas Earl Chamblin,

CHAMBLIN Thomas Earl, Jr. W4W1C Thomas Earl Chamblin, Jr., 80, of Fincastle, passed away Monday, November 14, 2011. Tom was a Peacetime US Army veteran, a telegraph operator, train dispatcher, and Locomotive Engineer for 10 years for C & O Railroad for over 36 years service, the highlight of his railroad career was operating the N & W #614 steam train for a 1978 scenic excursion trip on the C&O James River Division, he was one of the first EMT's in Southwest Virginia and served with the Troutville Rescue Squad, the Fincastle Rescue Squad, a Life-Member of the Fincastle Volunteer Fire Department, he also was a licensed glider pilot, and licensed Ham Radio operator (W4W1C). He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas E., Sr. and Eloise Booze Chamblin. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Shirley Burnett Chamblin; sons, Bryan Chamblin of Salem and Robin Chamblin and Emily Hurst of Roanoke; sister-in-law, Carolyn Counts of Mt. Crawford, and his cats, Momma, Baby, and Oscar. In keeping with his wishes, funeral services, officiated by Pastor Richard Ronk, will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fincastle Volunteer Fire Department, P O Box 432, Fincastle Va. 24090. Arrangements by Botetourt Funeral Home, Buchanan.